How to Identify a Chilean Rose Tarantula

The Chilean Rose Tarantula is the most common name for grammostola rosea but may be sold under many other names. This is one of the most popular tarantulas in the pet trade and can be found in almost any exotic pet store. The following steps will help you identify this tarantula.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Be aware that the Chilean Rose comes in two distinct color variations and used to be classified as two species. Both types are now known to be the same species. One color type is tan to brown with pink hairs and the other is pink to red with red hairs.
2. Use size to identify the Chilean Rose. Its size is about average for tarantulas with the adult body being about 2 inches long. The leg span is up to 5 inches and it has well-developed pedipalps (fangs). Males and females are about the same size.
3. Make the Chilean Rose your first tarantula as it is generally hardy and docile. In captivity, however, they may burrow, web or do neither depending on the individual.
4. Expect this species to web itself in for protection at dawn instead of burrowing when in the wild.
5. Buy a Chilean Rose at your nearest exotic pet store. Although it originates in the northern Atacama Desert in Chile, these tarantulas are heavily exported. The coloration indicates the specific area they are from in Chile.

Tips & Warnings

• All tarantulas have some venom, but this species does not usually affect humans, although some individuals may be especially sensitive. Like all New World tarantulas, the Chilean Rose can flick irritating hairs from its abdomen but is not prone to do so.